The decision adds to a closure Obama created. It’s not clear Trump can reverse it without an act of Congress. The oil and gas industry is not active in the area.
Arctic
Inland caribou herds aren’t recovering, report says
The 2024 Arctic Report Card also documents increasing sea traffic and thriving ice seals.
New conservation program on Alaska’s North Slope to offset Willow drilling impact
A right-of-way agreement gives Nuiqsut’s city and tribal governments and Native corporation authority over 1 million acres to protect caribou habitat from oil impacts.
Arctic tundra now emitting more carbon gases than it absorbs, annual report says
The tundra regions have become a net carbon source rather than a carbon sink, the result of permafrost warming, increased wildfires and other effects of climate change.
Coast Guard secures new icebreaker from civilian service
The Aiviq, named after the Inupiaq word for walrus, was acquired for service last month. It will join the Coast Guard fleet in 2026.
America’s first Arctic ambassador was just confirmed weeks ago. Now he could be out of a job.
Alaska geographer Mike Sfraga hasn’t announced his resignation. But it’s standard for politically appointed ambassadors to leave their posts during a presidential transition.